Tl;dr: My best friend (23f), my cousin for that matter, has been close to me (24f) ever since we were children. She seems to have a habit of becoming friends with anyone I’m friends with.
We’re now in our mid twenties. She’s a very sweet and friendly person. I would consider myself to be friendly as well, but more reserved. In whatever setting she finds herself, she will find friends. I am dissimilar to her in this manner, forming friendships when there is a true connection present, not just because someone is my co-worker or in close proximity to me. Which is fine! I think we should do what feels authentic to us.
However, I have noticed that my friend seems to consider any friend of mine, a friend of hers. This truly wouldn’t bother me either, as I realize it’s healthy for us to have other friends. Yet, on more than one occasion I have witnessed her become friends with my friends in an almost intentional manner. I became less close with these people when she began spending time with them. I felt very strange when this occurred. I know that I’m not entitled to these people and that they are allowed to have separate friends!
It’s weird for me to describe. We are grown women in our twenties and know that it’s okay to have other friends. Any thoughts..?